Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection and It's Impact on Health

Anne-Marie Hoglund

May 20

2 min read

I know, I know—everyone is talking about gut health. But seriously, your gut is basically your second brain, and it has a huge say in whether you feel anxious, happy, or totally wiped out. This gut-brain connection is so powerful that ignoring your gut is like ignoring 90% of your mental health signals. There’s a massive tie between our gut health, and our mental health. And by improving one, we can improve the other.

1. The Vagus Nerve

The Vagus Nerve is the main communicators your brain and your gut. It’s the longest nerve in your body and it transmits signals constantly. And up to 90% of the traffic goes from your gut to your brain. Your gut microbes are constantly messaging your brain about how safe, nourished, and calm your body is. If your gut is stressed, your brain will do the same.

2. Your Happy Chemicals Live in Your Gut

Did you know that up to 95% of the body's Serotonin (that beautiful lil neurotransmitter that makes you feel good and stable) is made in the gut? Your gut microbes—the bacteria living in there—are literal production managers for your mood chemicals. If those microbes are unhealthy, your serotonin production falls, and that leads to mood dips, anxiety, and even sleep issues.

3. Inflammation is the Problem

When the bacteria in your gut are out of whack (a condition called dysbiosis), it can lead to leaky gut and systemic inflammation. This inflammation isn't confined to your digestion; it can cross the barrier and trigger inflammation in your brain. Brain inflammation is directly linked to brain fog, fatigue, and depression. Healing your gut literally helps you soothe your brain.

Note from Anne Marie: This might be one of the most important things that I took care of in my health journey. Long term inflammation hurts your body at almost every single way. I know all of my mental health symptoms and chronic pain are exacerbated by inflammation. So I feel a lot better overall when my inflammation is in check.

4. Simple Steps to Feed Your Mood

Self-care expert Parker Palmer puts it beautifully:

"Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others."

Prioritizing your gut health is the ultimate act of self-care for your emotional state. The better you feel, the better you show up for what matters.

Feed the Good Guys: Eat plenty of prebiotic fiber (garlic, onions, oats, and bananas) to nourish your existing beneficial bacteria.
Add Reinforcements: Introduce new good bacteria through probiotics (fermented foods like fermented foods, kefir, or quality yogurt).
Chill Out: Chronic stress shuts down digestion and kills good bacteria. Try a 5-minute stress relief practice (like breathwork) before every meal.

Resources & Citations

Book Quote: Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation. Jossey-Bass, 1999. (Quote used to frame gut health as responsible self-care).
Scientific Source: Dr. Emeran Mayer's research on the gut-brain axis and Vagus Nerve communication.
Wellness Coach: Dr. Will Cole (functional medicine practitioner) is a great resource for understanding inflammation.